A poetic picture book introduction to Juneteenth that shows a bird’s-eye perspective of the struggles and celebration by Black Americans since the abolishment of slavery in the US, written by celebrated author Anne Wynter and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Jerome Pumphrey
Oh, how you would dance! How you would sing! How would you celebrate! With lyrical text from Anne Wynter and radiant artwork from Jerome Pumphrey, this poetic picture book explains the history behind Juneteenth celebrations. So Many Years simultaneously acknowledges the history of slavery in the US as well as the astonishing Black resilience that has led to an enduring legacy of Black joy.
Anne Wynter is the author of numerous board books and picture books, including So Many Years, Everybody in the Red Brick Building, and Nell Plants a Tree, which won the Ezra Jack Keats Award and the Golden Kite Award and was selected as the 2023 Texas Great Read. Originally from Houston, Texas, Anne currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her family.
Jerome Pumphrey is an award-winning author and illustrator. He makes books for kids, often with his brother, Jarrett. Their books include the Caldecott Honor–winning There Was a Party for Langston, written by Jason Reynolds; The Last Stand, written by Antwan Eady; It’s a Sign!, an Elephant & Piggie Like Reading book; Somewhere in the Bayou, a Texas 2x2 List Selection; and their author-illustrator debut, The Old Truck, which received seven starred reviews, was named a Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly, and received the Ezra Jack Keats New Author Honor. Originally from Houston, he works primarily from his home office in Georgetown, Texas, where he lives with his wife and their three kids.
